Parishes of Camus, Clonleigh and LeckpatrickFirst Sunday of Lent – Year C – 9th March 2025 Parish Clergy Fr Michael McCaughey, PP: (028) 71882274 / (028) 71883293 Fr Eddie Gallagher, CC: (074) 91 42022 Fr Declan Boland (priest in residence)Email: leckpatrickparish@derrydiocese.org; Website: www.leckpatrickparish.comEmail: strabaneparish@derrydiocese.org; Website: www.camusparish.com Email: clonleighparish@derrydiocese.org; Website: www.clonleighparish.comLifford Parish Office: tel: 003537491 42001 Into the WildernessLent is a time of repentance, a time to set aside the usual stuff of life in order to take stock of where we are and where we want to go. It is, therefore, no accident that Lent begins with a reflection on Jesus’ time in the desert. In keeping with a central theme of his gospel, Luke says that Jesus was filled with the Spirit and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness.For Luke, the presence of the Spirit is the evidence that God is with Jesus and that Jesus is from God. It is the Spirit that allows him to recognise the temptations of the devil for what they are, and it is the Spirit that guides him in his rejection of the temptation. This is the same for his disciples; we can only follow Jesus by an awareness of his Spirit within us. All our Lenten endeavours will be just a waste of time and effort if we are not guided by the Holy Spirit in what we do. Lent is a time for us to humbly take God’s hand and to walk the path of faith and love that leads to Easter. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in St Patrick’s Church, Murlog on Friday 14th March at 3.30 pm for all children of sixth class in the schools of Clonleigh Parish. We welcome Mgr Andy Dolan to administer the sacrament and ask you to keep the children, their families and sponsors in your prayers in the coming week.Do This in Memory Mass The next Mass in the Do This in Memory programme for children in second class in Murlog parish schools preparing for First Holy Communion will take place on Sunday 16th March at 11 am Parish Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Murlog.Legion of Mary Interest has been shown in Murlog Parish to start a branch of the Legion of Mary. On Tuesday 11th March, a meeting will take place in the church after 9.30 am Mass to discuss the matter. Fr Eddie Gallagher, CC will be in attendance and two Legionaries from the neighbouring Parish of Castlefin and Killygordon will explain about this lay apostolate organisation. All welcome.The February Edition of The Net, the monthly publication sharing the fruits of faith in parish communities within the Derry Diocese is available to view at https://www.derrydiocese.org/news/the-net-february-2025 Please join us in prayer for Pope Francis as he continues his stay in hospital. We petition God in prayer, seeking His loving care, healing, comfort, strength and guidance for Pope Francis. Anniversaries Packie McShane, Dan McShane, Liam McGonigle, Mick McGonagle, Marie Barrett Gallagher, Jim Deery, Frankie Gallagher, Katie Devine, Maureen Casey, Michael Joseph Forbes, Jim Wilson, Mairead Stewart, Bob Gallagher, Mary McAleer, Nellie Logue, Jim (Sticky) Logue, Mary Anne McMackin, Kathleen & Anton Gallagher, Liam Tourish, Alfie Montague, Mary Huston Marley, William Lynch, Johnny Rushe, Joe Rushe, Rachael Brennan, Martin Tourish, Annie McGranaghan, Gary McGinley, Kathleen Hewitt, John & Kathleen McGettigan, John F McDermott, Foncie Brennan, John & Kathleen O’Brien, Fr Mons O’Kane, Josie Harkin, Joe Logue, William Dunne, Eamon Foley, Grace Brennan, Eamon Donnelly, Kitty Devine, Michael Forbes, Maureen Casey, Michael McRory, Rose Vennard, Dolly Patton, Kathleen Blee, Sarah Brown. May they rest in peace.Mass Intentions for St Patrick’s, Murlog on Mon 10th March at 9.30 am: Maisie Matthewson, LurganshannaghSaturday 15th March 3.00 pm: Eunan Colhoun, Rossgier (Month’s Mind); Saturday 15th March 6.30 pm: Tricia Devine, Rossgier (Month’s Mind)Thank You for your generosity to the collections last weekend:Leckpatrick: £1,213.01; Clonleigh: €1,967 (Euro); Camus: £1,722.Thank you also to those who contribute by standing order.Readings for Sunday 16th March: 1st reading Genesis 15:5-12, 17-18; Psalm 26:1,7-9,13-14; 2nd reading Philippians 3:17-4:1; Gospel Luke 9:28-36Saint of the Coming Week: Tuesday: St Aengus, bishop and abbot.Baptism Dates in St Patrick’s, Murlog March 15th, 29th; April 5th, 12th, 26th at 2.00 pmContemplative Prayer Group meets each Monday at 8 pm in the Meditation Room at the Parochial House, Barrack St, Strabane. All welcome.‘Sing for Joy!’ – A Day of Music and Ministry We invite you to join us for ‘Sing for Joy!’ – A Day of Music and Ministry. Saturday 26th April at Lough Derg. Boat departs at 9:30am. The day will conclude with the Celebration of the Eucharist at 5pm. This day is open to young people aged 18-35 and is free to attend (supported by the Knights of St Columbanus). Registration is essential via https://bit.ly/SingforJoy . For further information please contact info@knightsofstcolumbanusomagh.co.uk / +447759496677. Vocations As we pray for those attending the Vocations Retreat in Larne this weekend, we ask the Lord to bless all those who are discerning their vocation at this time. Accord Marriage Preparation Workshops May 30th / 31st, June 20th / 21st. Please visit www.accordni.comFinn Valley FM broadcasts 11am Mass from St Patrick’s, Murlog on Sundays. The February Edition of The Net, the monthly publication sharing the fruits of faith in parish communities within the Derry Diocese is available to view at https://www.derrydiocese.org/news/the-net-february-2025Our Lenten Journey Please note that weekday Masses in Lent are as follows:Church of the Immaculate Conception: Monday – Friday 7.00 am, 10.00 am; Saturday: 11.00 amSacred Heart Church, Derry Rd: Monday – Friday 12 noonSt Patrick’s Church, Murlog: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9.30 am, Wednesday 7.00 pm, Friday 7.00 am, 9.30 amLenten Prayer Cards are available. You are invited to join in prayer each day, praying for various areas, schools, ministries associated with our parishes.Trócaire Let us pray for the people of the La Paz community. Lord, this Lent, may we, empowered by your Spirit, stand in solidarity with them. You can support this vital work by taking a Trócaire box and using it in your home, using the donation envelope in your pack or by visiting https://www.trocaire.org/ Thank you.Jubilee of Hope Each Wednesday at 7 pm Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Murlog, a little reflection from an invited speaker will be spoken on the theme of hope. This Wednesday (12th March), we welcome Sister Ethna McDermott, Good Shepherd Sister, who will give the talk. All welcome.A Short Time of Prayer and Reflection with Taizé Chant will take place each Sunday of Lent at 7 pm in Sacred Heart Church, Derry Rd. Again, prayer will focus on the theme of hope.Stations of the Cross recited publicly each Friday after10.00 am Mass in Immaculate Conception Church9.30 am Mass in St Patrick’s Church, Murlog12.00 noon Mass in Sacred Heart Church, Derry RoadShort Term Pledge Pope Francis has invited us this Lent to “journey in hope together”. A short-term pledge is available via www.pioneerassociation.org for parishioners who wish to become a “pilgrim of hope” for people who are living under the shadow of addiction. An Exploration into Theology – Reading the signs of the times: a theology course presented by Fr Brian Brady will take place on the Tuesdays of Lent, at 7 pm in St Eugene’s Cathedral Hall, Derry. St Eugene’s Cathedral Hall is just a few yards outside the cathedral grounds. Calling All Men A 12 hr Eucharistic Adoration in Carmelite Retreat Centre, Termonbacca on Friday 14th March, beginning with Mass at 8pm, ending with Mass at 8am. All men welcome for a night of prayer & Adoration.Blessed Shamrock Boxes At St Patrick’s Day Masses in our churches, boxes of blessed shamrocks will be available and can be picked up on a ‘donation’ basis. This is a fundraising appeal by the Cuan Mhuire Addiction Treatment Centres. Sr Consillio founded Cuan Mhuire from humble beginnings in 1966, to help those suffering from addiction to alcohol, gambling, drugs, etc. Cuan Mhuire has grown to become one of Ireland’s leading treatment centres, especially catering for the less well off, who need help. Money raised from the Shamrock Fundraiser will go directly to Cuan Mhuire. Thank you. Mass Cards / Mass Bouquets are available from the parish office.‘Pilgrims of Hope Pilgrimage’ to Rome, led by Thornhill Ministries takes place on 16th October 2025 x 4 Nights £1095 stg pps. Please contact 07736832458.Gamblers Anon Tel 71351329. Alcoholics Anonymous Tel 90351222.Dromantine Retreat Centre, Newry Lenten Retreat 15th March: 9.30am. Cost £38. Silent Retreat: 16th-22nd March 4 pm. Cost £610. Tel 30821964. St Paul’s Bookshop and Gifts Join us at 20 Shipquay St, Derry, on Friday 14th March from 10 am – 5 pn, as we celebrate the Grand Opening of St Paul’s Bookshop & Gifts. Discover a beautiful selection of books, inspirational gifts, and unique treasures to nourish your faith and spirit. The shop is at the site of the former Veritas shop on Shipquay St. We can’t wait to welcome you!Monthly Mass Praying for the Canonisation of Sr Clare Crockett and asking for her intercession will be celebrated today (Sunday) at 7 pm in Termonbacca, Derry. Mass is streamed live via the Termonbacca YouTube channel.The Annual Sleeping St Joseph Novena begins on Tuesday 11th March in Termonbacca, Derry with Mass and Novena prayers at 7.30 pm each evening for nine nights. All welcome to join us for this time of prayer and petition. Pilgrimages to Fatima flying from Belfast. 7 Nights Full Board. Avenida Hotel. From 28 May – 4 June. Cost £849 pps. Spiritual Director Fr. Antony CP. Please contact Joe on 07776425631. Pilgrimage also available on 30 July – 6 August. ‘Lent is a time of grace, a time to convert and live out our baptism fully’. (Pope Francis) Strabane Pastoral Area – Camus / Leckpatrick Parish Draws 2025(Immaculate Conception, Strabane, Sacred Heart, Derry Rd, St Mary’s, Cloughcor, St Joseph’s, Glenmornan)A draw will take place in each parish this year with the following prizes in both draws: February – October 2025 10th Month: November 20259 Monthly Prizes Star prize: car1st prize: £1,000 2nd prize: £1,000 2nd prize: £300 3rd prize: £3003rd prize: £200 4th prize: £2005 prizes @ £100 5 prizes @ £100 Limited number of members for each draw. Voluntary subscription: £10 per month. Total subscription £100 for each draw. All proceeds in aid of parochial funds. Thank you to our promoters and many volunteers who support the draws. Parish ScheduleImmaculate Conception Church, Strabane Mass: Saturday Vigil: 6 pm; Sunday: 9.45 am & 12.15 pmMonday – Friday: 7.00 am, 10.00 am; Saturday: 11.00 amEucharistic Adoration: 10.30 am – 1.00 pmLeckpatrick St Mary’s Church, Cloughcor Mass: Saturday Vigil: 5 pm Sacred Heart Church, Derry Rd Mass: Sunday: 11.15 am; Monday – Friday: 12 noon St Joseph’s Church, Glenmornan: Mass: Sunday: 9.45 amEucharistic Adoration in Sacred Heart Church: Wednesdays from 8.15 am–5.30 pm(Please note that Eucharistic Adoration ends at 2.30 pm this Wednesday)Mass: Saturday Vigil: 6.30 pm; Sunday: 11.00 amMass: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 9.30 am; Wed: 7.00 pm; Friday: 7 am, 9.30 amRosary: 8.40 am; Confessions: Saturday: 6.00 pm – 6.15 pmEucharistic Adoration: 9.30 am – 12.30 pmWeddings Please contact any of our parish offices. At least 6 months’ notice required. Baptisms: Parent(s) are asked to contact any of our parish offices.Safeguarding If you have any concerns with regard to safeguarding children or adults in need of protection within the Church, please contact Maire Gormley, the Diocesan Designated Liaison Person (DLP) at tel: +447596 500 793 or email: mairegormley@derrydiocese.org or PSNI (Police Service of N Ireland) 101 or Social Services: Western HSC Trust, +442871314090 (Ask for the Duty Social Worker) or Garda Síochána, Buncrana 074 9320540, Letterkenny HQ 074 9123672 or TUSLA Family & Child Agency Buncrana 074 9320420 or Letterkenny 074 9123672.